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Temba Bavuma-led South Africa are taking on New Zealand in a knockout clash of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. While the Kiwis are coming into this match after their defeat against India in their final group stage match, South Africa are coming into the semi-final after a seven-wicket win over England.
As the two skipper took the field for the toss, it was New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner who came out on top and elected to bat first. While the Kiwis named an unchanged XI, South Africa called in for one change with Temba Bavuma coming in place of Tristan Stubbs. It is to be noted that the Protean skipper missed the last league match due to illness and in his absence Aiden Markram led the side.
Temba Bavuma replaces Tristan Stubbs in SA XI vs NZ
Speaking after losing the toss, the South African skipper said, “We are not too concerned but the preference would have been to bat.” While speaking of the team combination, Bavuma added, “Just one change, myself, I'm feeling much better. We have had learnings from semi-finals and finals. We need to win the key moments.”
South Africa vs New Zealand CT 2025 semi-final Playing XI
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke
